As the rock world mourns the passing of Kiss co-founder Ace Frehley, fans reflect on the legendary guitarist’s profound family life, particularly his lasting connection with estranged wife Jeanette Trerotola and the undeniable influence of his daughter, Monique Frehley, who inspired his sobriety.
The music world paused on October 16, 2025, with the heartbreaking news that Ace Frehley, the iconic co-founder and lead guitarist of Kiss, had died at the age of 74. Known to millions as “The Spaceman,” Frehley truly embodied the rockstar life, traveling the globe and living out a dream many artists could only imagine. Yet, beyond the dazzling stage persona and the electric guitar riffs, Frehley’s life was profoundly shaped by his family: his estranged wife Jeanette Trerotola and their beloved daughter, Monique Frehley.
Frehley’s passing came after a period of health issues, including a fall in his studio in September 2025 that led to a doctor’s insistence he refrain from travel. A month later, due to “ongoing medical issues,” he canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour dates. His family’s statement, shared with Us Weekly, captured the immense grief: “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
The Rocker’s Early Marriage to Jeanette Trerotola
Before his global superstardom, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley married Jeanette Trerotola in May 1978 in New York City. The wedding was a true rock and roll affair, with Kiss performing their hits “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Amusingly, the band opted not to wear their signature makeup for the special occasion.
According to reports, Kiss’s presence was so attention-grabbing that Frehley’s father-in-law reportedly asked the band to get offstage, feeling they were overshadowing the family celebration. As tour manager J.R. Smalling famously announced during the festivities, “Mr. and Mrs. Frehley, you wanted the best and you got ‘em!” This anecdote, cited by Dangerous Minds, paints a vivid picture of the early intertwining of Frehley’s personal life with his burgeoning fame.
Monique Frehley: Ace’s Only Child and Enduring Inspiration
Amidst Kiss’s meteoric rise to international fame, Frehley and Trerotola welcomed their only child, a daughter named Monique, in 1980. Monique quickly became a central figure in her father’s life. Frehley often shared rare family photos and heartwarming messages about their bond on social media, such as an October 2021 Facebook post where he fondly remembered “Me & My Lovely Daughter Monique hanging out over the years! Lots of Fun!!!”
Their close relationship extended into shared experiences, including matching “Ace” tattoos, a moment Frehley commemorated in May 2024 with the caption, “Family ink, rock ‘n’ roll style! Thinkin’ about getting another. 🎸❤️.” This enduring connection with Monique stood as a testament to Frehley’s deep paternal love.
The Complexities of Marriage and Separation
The demands of Frehley’s rockstar lifestyle, coupled with personal challenges, eventually strained his marriage to Jeanette. In his 2012 autobiography, No Regrets, Frehley openly discussed the reasons behind their separation. He reportedly wrote, “A fresh start was in order and part of the process involved legally separating from my wife. Jeanette had decided to move on, and was involved in a relationship with a local guy,” as cited by Splicetoday. He also recounted an incident where Jeanette was upset by his troubled state, screaming, “Paul! For Christ’s sake, you’re in Monique’s bedroom!”
Despite their legal separation after seven years, some reports suggest that Frehley and Trerotola remained legally married, possibly for financial reasons or due to Jeanette’s health, though nothing was officially confirmed. This marital status, a point of online speculation, highlights the complexities of their long-standing connection, even as they led separate lives.
Monique’s Role in Ace’s Sobriety Journey
Frehley was candid about his struggles with addiction throughout his career. However, a significant turning point arrived in 2006, inspired by Monique. In a 2018 interview at the Musicians Institute, Frehley shared how his daughter’s concern became a catalyst for change. “My daughter calls me up and goes, ‘Dad, I’m not hearing good things about you.’ I looked in the mirror and just said, ‘S— — she’s right,’” he revealed to Blabbermouth.net. “That evening, I called my sponsor and he took me to an AA meeting, and I’ve been sober ever since.” This pivotal moment underscored Monique’s profound impact on her father’s life, guiding him towards a path of recovery.
Life Beyond Jeanette: Other Relationships
After his separation from Jeanette, Ace Frehley’s love life continued to draw public interest. He was engaged multiple times, including to singer and actress Rachael Gordon in 2010. Later, he developed a significant relationship with school teacher Lara Cove, which lasted nearly six years. However, this relationship also concluded, with Frehley announcing their split during a June 2024 concert.
“I broke up with my ex, Lara. Sorry. She’s gone,” Frehley candidly shared, as reported by Blabbermouth.net. “I still care about her. Wonderful girl, beautiful girl. We decided to part our own ways, and she’s happy, I’m happy. It was just time. Things go south, right?” Lara Cove also addressed the split on her My Art Of Glass Facebook page, stating, “This decision is a step we are taking as we both embark on new paths in our lives. I refuse to say one bad word about him and will not be discussing our breakup further.”
Monique’s Independent Journey and Unwavering Support
While Ace Frehley never pressured Monique to follow in his musical footsteps, she carved her own creative path, working with children and in fashion, and occasionally pursuing music. Despite her father’s complicated romantic history and personal struggles, Monique remained a steadfast presence, frequently appearing alongside him at public events and on social media, offering unwavering support. This deep connection highlights a powerful aspect of Frehley’s life, showing that despite the chaos of fame, his bond with his daughter remained a constant.
A Lasting Legacy of Family and Music
As the world remembers Ace Frehley for his groundbreaking contributions to rock music and his unforgettable “Spaceman” persona, his personal life, particularly his relationships with Jeanette Trerotola and Monique Frehley, provides a richer, more human dimension to his legendary story. His family, especially Monique, offered him both grounding and inspiration, influencing critical decisions like his path to sobriety. Frehley’s journey reminds fans that even the most iconic rock stars are shaped by the enduring bonds of family, leaving behind a legacy not just of music, but also of a complex and deeply human life.
